"Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." - 1860's proverb originating in Wales
Any Truth In The Old Proverb?
We've all heard the old saying; "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." But have we also wondered if there could possibly be any truth in the old proverb?
The first printed mention of this saying is actually found in the February 1866 publication of "Notes and Queries". And the proverb was stated somewhat differently, "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread".
Isn't it amazing the old proverb is still around, just in a slightly different variation? So is there really any truth to the saying?
The Apple's Components
All fruits are loaded with nutrients that are building blocks to good health. Let's consider what those nutrients are in an apple.
Pectin - Pectin is a form of soluble fiber that lowers blood pressure and glucose levels. It can also lower levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). Because it is a fiber it also helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Boron - Found abundantly in apples, boron supports strong bones and a healthy brain.
Quercetin - A flavonoid which shows promise for reducing the risk of various cancers. It may also reduce free radical damage which can lead to damaging parts of your cells. Neutralizing free radical damage can reduce the risk of some age-related health issues like Alzheimer's.
Vitamin C - This vitamin boosts immunity which helps maintain overall health.
Phytonutrients - Apples have a variety of phytonutrients including vitamins A, E and beta carotene. These fight damage from free radicals and have a definite impact on overall health.
What About Other Fruits?
All fruits are loaded with nutrients. The greater variety of colors you eat, the greater the antioxidant protection you give your body.
Bananas are loaded with potassium, important for a healthy heart and proper muscle function.
Blackberries have fiber and strawberries have both vitamin C and fiber. Blueberries along with cranberries help prevent or fight urinary tract infections while apricots are high in beta-carotene.
These are just a few examples of the health benefits of some fruits. So what exactly is the bottom line on the old proverb of eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away?
Most nutritionists recommend a varied diet. Along with apples, fill your shopping cart with citrus fruits, tropical fruits such as mango's and a variety of berries.
An apple once harvested could remain in storage for nearly a year. Unlike other fruits and vegetables, the nutritional benefits of an apple remain relatively stable for as long as 200 days after harvest.
Apple juice does not have the fiber content that a whole apple has.
Apples follow kindergarten rules - they play nicely with other healthy foods like peanut butter, low fat cheese, salads and salsas.
Apples act as a toothbrush, cleaning teeth and killing bacteria in the mouth.
The moral of the story . . . "An apple a day may not keep the doctor away, but it's a healthy choice anyway."
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